I'm older now, and simple beer pleasures are the most meaningful to me. They tend to be encountered locally. It is my aim to get unplugged and explore some of them, slowly and thoughtfully. I'd tell you where it's leading, except that I've no idea ... and that's the whole point of the journey: To find out.

Saturday, October 04, 2008

The New Albanian Brewing Company offers an alternative perspective on the general theme of “harvest homecoming” with its first annual Fringe Fest, which will take place from October 9th through October 11th under the big top (well, a tent, at least) in the parking lot adjacent to the future Bank Street Brewhouse at 415 Bank Street in downtown New Albany. Work on the Brewhouse proceeds, with projected opening during the winter of 2008/09.

This year’s Fringe Fest theme is “Harvest Culture on the Skids”, and will feature NABC craft beer, a myriad of musical performances, a selection of films, local art, and various other attractions and frivolity.

There’ll be two special NABC ales for the occasion: The resurrection of Tunnel Vision, co-owner Amy Baylor’s original homebrew recipe as formulated by NABC’s brewer, Jesse Williams, and also the new Wet Knob Hop Harvest Ale, brewed in part with fresh hops from Floyds Knobs. Other NABC beers slated for inclusion are Kaiser 2nd Reising, Community Dark, and Bob’s Old 15-B, with others appearing periodically depending on our cellar’s yield.

Please note that while the NABC Fringe Fest is running concurrently with New Albany’s annual Harvest Homecoming event, and “Harvest Culture On the Skids” might aptly be described as an “autumnal inspiration”, our festival is neither a “sponsored” nor a “hosted” Harvest Homecoming function, which are detailed at the Harvest Homecoming web site: http://www.harvesthomecoming.com/

See below for the complete Fringe Fest schedule and entertainment listings, and don’t forget that NABC Fringe Fest is a 21-years-and-over celebration. You must be able to prove your age to enter and partake of the fun. Keep it clean, and have a designated driver. See you there!

2:00-9:00 pmThe Derby City Roller Girls will perform between sets and canvass Harvest Homecoming with signs and a bullhorn in their inimitable style.

***OTHER STUFF: ***

There’ll be an Art Show in the future Bank Street Brewhouse taproom from 5-10 pm Thursday and Friday, and noon-10 pm Saturday, and a Free Store in the future kitchen area.

Our friend Bob Capshew's sweet cider will be available as a fresh, local non-alcoholic alternative beverage. The sweet cider is unpasteurized, unfiltered and made from local (Clark, Floyd, Harrison and Washington counties) apples and pears. It is truly a genuine "slow food."

Our friend Pete Lyons of Digital Resource in downtown New Albany will be cooking burgers (both meat and tofu) and brats all three days.

The Louisville Photographic Booth Company will have its booth set up for free photos Thursday and Friday from 5-10 pm.